The Nigeria’s London 2012 Paralympics contingents who were thought not to have done anything, made history when considered to the performance of the able bodied Nigerian contingents to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
In the medal table Nigeria’s name was not found and Nigerian National Anthem and flag were not sang and raised. It was a poor outing for Nigeria in the history of modem Olympics. Some smaller African countries with less popular were seen on the medals table. It was a big shock to concerned Nigerians who believe in the dignity of the nation. Thank God that some Nigerian contingents did not abscond to other countries as experienced in the neighbouring countries.
The Holy Scripture says in Romans 2:11, for there is no respect of persons with God. Indeed, the physically challenged Nigerian contingents to London 2012 Paralympics games made Nigeria and Nigerians proud. At the medal table Nigeria got eleven medals out of it was six gold medals. It was something worth celebrating. The physically challenged Nigerians put in their best to see that the effort of our heroes past is not in vain. Indeed, God who does not have respect for persons, saw the effort and sincerity of the contingents and made them to fly the Nigerian flag high at the Paralympics games.
The physically challenged Nigerian contingents with their effort and performances in the London 2012 Paralympics deserve national award from the federal government of Nigeria. To over look their physical challenges and the distance where the competitions were held revealed that they were serious minded. They need special treatment as their effort in putting Nigeria’s name on medals table was a. suicide mission and a serious sacrifice to their father land. They laid down their lives for Nigeria.
In the main Olympic of London 2012 history, Nigeria participated without a single medal. But in the Paralympics in London also in 2012, history was made. There was a tremendous improvement considering the previous Paralympics participation by Nigeria’s contingents. Like some people will put it, Nigerian contingents at the London 2012 Olympic did not even win a rubber cup or medal. But the Paralympics contingents have put Nigeria’s name in gold, silver and bronze. The Physically challenged Nigerians deserve national and states’ honours. This buttresses the view that there is ability in disability in any challenged situation. And it behoves them to do something. It is obvious that there was passion by Paralympians to make records in the international scene, it is commendable the way Mr. President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan handled the situation when he observed shabby treatment of the physically challenged contingents that made us proud in London 2012 Paralympics. Indeed, he ordered for direct flight from Muritala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos to convey the contingents to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Yes, there is need for the contingents to have a sense of belonging in their father’s land, despite their physical challenges. Mr. President should make the Paralympians to feel proud for flying the national flag high at the London Paralympics games, At least a good representative deserves a pat.
In short, without mincing words, they should be given rewards in cash and kind as to boost their morale. They are Nigerians despite their challenges in life and they have made Nigeria proud at the Paralympics. It is no longer news that the London 2012 Olympic Games was a failed outing for Nigeria. And it is no longer news that Nigerian Paralympians to London 2012 Paralympics games was a success.
There is need to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship to help Nigeria survive at the international competitions. Preparations for the 2016 Olympic games in Brazil, should start now considering our previous outing. Resources should be made available in order for the contingents to start intensive preparation immediately.
There is nothing wrong, If Nigerian contingents do well in both games. In short it will be a plus to the sport industry in Nigeria. Therefore, government and corporate organizations should invest heavily in sports development in Nigeria. There are games in the Olympic and Paralympics that Nigeria do not feature. And there is need to introduce or develop such sports in Nigeria.
Indeed, the Nigeria’s Paralympians to London Paralympics games should be encouraged to keep the fire burning. They are national heroes despite their challenged situation. Indeed, the gold, silver and bronze medals they won are of the same quality with the Olympic therefore they deserve honour from all of us. They have made us proud despite their situations therefore let us in turn make them smile.
Frank Eneawaji Ogwuonuonu
08028901682
